Hi Guys, two families (family1: 2 adults + 2 kids and family2: 3 adults + 2 kids) have booked 6 days holidays in Queenstown (NZ) during mid-Jan 2025.
We are wondering if it's better to hire two separate cars or a vehicle which can accommodate all of us (9 passengers)? Which car hire company is recommended and approximately how much $$$ we can expect.
Thanks.
Can recommend Apex Rentals for Queenstown. A bit cheaper than the other companies with kiosks in the airport terminal.
Had a quick look at Rentalcars.com; 12-seater $1,119, two Corollas $708
Tap in dates into car rental consolidation site and compare results.
I usually use ladybug.com (it then opens up various othersites and then trawl through the results)
How close are you to the other family?
Sharing one vehicle will probably be more affordable, but it might be annoying as you will all be in each other's faces the entire time you are on the road and it means less freedom as you can't whip away and do your own thing without coordinating who is using the car. However, if the kids are best friends, it might be nice for them to all travel together in one car.
Another consideration is even with a large car that will fit you all, it may not fit all of your luggage.
Anyway, getting to your question, I have used Ezi car rental many times that I visit NZ and had no issues. Often cheaper than the mainstream brands like Hertz, Budget, Avis etc.
Have other thread for Car hire : https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/866857
So opening this separate one for suggestions on accommodation.
Two families ( family1 : 2adults + 2 kids and family2: 3 adults + 2 kids) have booked 6days holidays in Queenstown (NZ) during mid-Jan 2025.
3 cars: 1 for 3 adults & 1 for 1 adult + 4 kids & 1 for 1 adult and ALL the luggage. Bring walkie-talkies and play Eye-spy.
If you plan to drive to Milford Sound/Tekapo etc, the roads are hilly and winding, which are a pain in a people mover. A car provides better driving experience. I suggest 2 cars, that would be enough for the luggage as well. If the kids are friends, you can get one 7-seater so they can alternate to be together in one of them. We rented from Jucy rentals, no frills and decent. NZ has many 2nd tier rental companies that are pretty cheap compared to Hertz/Avis etc.
I'd hire two seperate cars solely so you aren't crammed in with two families and you have some "quiet time" between destinations. Just my two cents.
Also, some of the roads around NZ (hello Milford Sound) are not friendly to large vehicles or people who don't know how to drive them, so this is another reason to get two.
Maybe look for a 12 Seater Bus/Van (like a Hiace or a Sprinter), that would probably work out easier and cheaper.
Haven't been to NZ, so no idea on who to use and cost. Maybe try a post on ChoiceCheapies OzB sister site for NZ.